Following the system’s guidance, Qiyu looked over and saw a clump of grass that stood out prominently.

【Scent Tracing Grass: Nearly ripe; can be harvested when ripe. 

Effects: When ripe, Scent Tracing Grass emits a scent that has a chance to attract mutated creatures. The effect doubled when crafted into a potion.】

Qiyu noticed a countdown timer above their heads; there were two minutes remaining.

He decided to wait a moment.

Right then, his expression shifted as he glanced toward the southeast.

He extended his spiritual sense and detected a black creature lurking quietly in a tree about ten meters to the southeast. 

Its concealment skills were exceptional; hidden among the dense foliage, it was completely invisible to the naked eye.

Qiyu sensed that he was being watched; the gaze resting on his back was very familiar.

It was the gaze of a predator.

He pretended not to notice the creature, appearing fully absorbed in waiting for the fragrant grass to ripen.

The black figure silently climbed down from the tree, drawing even closer to Qiyu.

With just a split second’s delay, Qiyu crouched down, his nose catching a sweet, delicate fragrance.

Just then, the black shadow pounced, accompanied by a foul, blood-curdling wind.

“Fireball!”

Without turning his head, Qiyu summoned a streak of fire from thin air, which collided with the sharp claws.

The black shadow let out a pained howl and retreated two steps.

【Ghost Leopard: Tier 3 Mutant Creature

Skills: Stealth, Speed, Ghost Claws. 】

This was the first time Qiyu had encountered a third-tier mutated creature, but then again, he had only just entered the Survival Game.

‌‌Giving his opponent the chance to strike first, four fireballs materialized out of thin air, surrounding the Ghost Leopard from multiple directions in midair.

The Ghost Leopard moved with agile grace, dodging the four streaks of fire, and in the blink of an eye, it was already right up against Qiyu.

A trace of smugness flashed through its beastly eyes: A weak mage, who only knows how to harass from a distance; once up close, all they can do is—all they can do is swing their staff and deliver a proper physical blow to the enemy.

Thud.

The Ghost Leopard collapsed to the ground.

Qiyu didn’t even bother to and swung the Heart of the Great Tree Staff twice more—thud, thud—until it completely dissolved into a beam of white light.

The moment he saw the Ghost Leopard’s move, he didn’t think the Fireball spell had hit its target.

Based on his experience from his previous life, speed-type creatures like this usually have weaknesses in other areas.

He deliberately cast several spells in succession to lure the creature closer.

The third-tier mutated creature failed to meet Qiyu’s expectations; upon vanishing, it turned into warm supplies.

【Obtained 1 fine iron chest, obtained the Shadow Ring.】

【Shadow Ring: Unique Equipment. Effect: Stealth +3.】

Equipped. Another ring.

The Shadow Ring lived up to its name—it was a pitch-black ring.

Qiyu slipped it onto the middle finger of his left hand. At first glance, it looked like a pair with the Ring of Silence.

Qiyu didn’t feel much of a difference with the Stealth attribute.

He thought to himself: Since the newbie period ended, it seems that killing mutated creatures doesn’t drop as many items as before.

Especially food—not a single mutated creature has dropped any meat today.

He picked up the treasure chest and finished harvesting all the Scent Tracing Grass.

After harvesting, the Fragrant Grass looked just as it had before—like the most ordinary weed—with a ten-day countdown displayed on it. In other words, he could come back to harvest it again in ten days.

Just as Qiyu was about to leave, a sudden thought crossed his mind.

Since this wild resource spot was also a plant, would it be possible to dig it up directly and plant it in his territory?

He took out his barbarian fang dagger and carefully dug up several Scent Tracing Grass, roots and all.

He didn’t dig up too many, fearing that if he couldn’t successfully plant them, most of the Scented Herbs in this area would still be here.

After digging up a few plants, the system panel gave no prompts. Qiyu put them away and continued exploring.

After traveling about another kilometer, he discovered another resource point.

【Honey Crystal Flower (Green): A magical plant. Consuming its nectar can remove negative status effects. It lives in symbiosis with the Emerald Bee and cannot survive on its own.】

【Emerald Bee (Green): A Level 1 magical creature. 

Skill: Bee Sting. 】

The Honey Crystal Flower is a pink, crystal-like blossom, while the Emerald Bee is a pale green, nearly translucent insect. Both resemble exquisite works of art more than living creatures.

Equipped with stealth and concealment effects, Qiyu had almost reached the Honey Crystal Flower when he was finally spotted by a swarm of busy little bees.

In an instant, a barrage of stinging needles rained down on Qiyu.

Qiyu dodged and was just about to cast Fireball when he paused.

The system panel indicated that the flower and the bees lived in symbiosis. If he burned all the bees to ashes, wouldn’t the flower itself be destroyed as well?

Qiyu quickly retreated into the jungle.

These emerald bees were eager for a fight, but upon seeing their “enemy” retreat, they slowly flew back to rest on the petals.

Qiyu hid behind a tree, thinking for a moment to come up with a plan.

A silver light flickered in his eyes,

“Mental Intimidation.”

The swarm of emerald bees resting on the Honey Crystal Flowers trembled, and as a gust of wind swept past, it cleared away all the honey.

Half a minute.

The swarm flew up and down in confusion.

Qiyu had 99 bottles of Honey Crystal Flower nectar in his backpack. He watched as this group of clueless fools found the vanished honey and went back to diligently making more.

He slipped away quietly.

First, he’d see if the Scent Tracing Grass could be sustained in the territory. If so, he’d figure out a way to connect this patch of honey crystal flowers.

He continued onward.

For the next half hour, his luck was no good—he found no resource spots and saw no treasure chests.

He checked the time; it was already noon.

Qiyu sat down.

He gathered a few pieces of wood to build a fire, lit it, and planned to roast some of the game meat from his backpack for lunch.

He received a message:

【Your territory is under attack. 】

Before Qiyu could even get nervous, two seconds later:

【The crisis in your territory has been resolved.】

Qiyu opened the territory module and saw that the durability of one of the fences had dropped to 99/100; everything else was at full capacity.

What kind of attack was that? It only consumed 1 point of durability?

Probably just a gust of wind that blew a twig or something against the fence, right?

‌As long as the territory shows no damage, it’s fine.

Qiyu continued grilling the meat.

The wind in the forest seemed to have picked up a bit, carrying the aroma of the food farther and farther away.

“Oh my, oh my, when you’re starving, smelling such a wonderful aroma really makes me purr with delight.” A cheerful voice suddenly rang out from above.

Qiyu looked up, still clutching the Heart of the Great Tree Staff, as a sturdy, golden figure descended from the sky.

A… …cat?

A plump, golden cat, standing upright just like a human.

‌Not only was it standing like a human, but it was also wearing a dark blue overalls outfit and a little blue cap on its head.

It even spoke like a human.

Qiyu stared warily at this strange creature: a new type of mutant creature?

The character interface displayed the following information:

【Wandering Merchant Duo Ju: “The Golden Maneki-neko clan. Wealthy, emotionally stable, and prone to getting lost.”】

The cat was dazed from the fall. It shook its head, its big round eyes fixed on Qiyu, then suddenly widened: “Guest, I’m guessing you must be an elf from the Star Forest, right?”

Before Qiyu could answer, it shook its head on its own: “Right, right. No elves have lived in the Star Forest for a very long time.”

Curious, it circled Qiyu once, its paws touching her, making not a sound, and declared with certainty: “Then you must be the child of an elf and a human.” ”

Qiyu took two quick steps back, shaking his head: “No, you’re mistaken. I’m human.”

“How can that be?” the cat asked in surprise. “You’re so beautiful, and you’re radiating natural magic—you must be related to the elves.”

He didn’t seem to have a single malicious thought.

Qiyu didn’t want to say much more, recalling that the system had specifically provided this information, fearing he might be an important figure.

He asked proactively, “What brings you here?”

Seeing his reaction, the wandering merchant cat curved the corners of its mouth, certain: “Solitary, aloof, and prefer to speak only with your own kind—you really are an elf.”

Cheerfully raising a paw to his chest, he introduced himself: “I am Duo Ju, the wandering merchant of the Golden Maneki-neko clan. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Elf.”

Qiyu emphasized again: “I am human.”

Du Ju tilted his head and thought for a moment: “Alright, Mr. Human.”

Sitting down by the fire, he looked at Qiyu with pleading eyes: “Mr. Human, this cat hasn’t eaten in three days. Could you give this cat some food?”

He looked as though he trusted Qiyu completely.

Qiyu hesitated for a moment, then handed over the skewers of meat he’d roasted earlier but hadn’t had time to eat.

It was only because his backpack was currently overflowing with game meat that he could afford to be so generous right now.

Duo Ju reached out a paw to take them, took a bite, and immediately broke into a delighted smile: “No weird seasonings at all—this is absolutely delicious, meow!”

After devouring the entire skewer in two bites, Qiyu saw a string of red hearts floating above the golden cat’s head.

【Stray Merchant Duo Ju’s current goodwill toward you is 80.】 

As soon as this goodwill notification appeared, the large cat, who had been lazily sitting there eating grilled meat, immediately stood up.

Qiyu didn’t even see the movement; in an instant, the food in his hand was gone, and the corners of his mouth and paws were spotless.

“Beautiful and generous guest, Duo Ju feels as though we’ve known each other for ages. Please accept this VIP card.”

A card as golden as fur was handed over, bearing a print that resembled a cat’s paw.

【Duo Ju’s VIP Card: A token of gratitude from the Wandering Merchant. Holders of this card receive a 20% discount at the Wandering Merchant’s shop, with a chance to trigger a 50% discount.】

Duo Ju asked Qiyu, “Guest, do you know about the new residents who’ve moved into Star Forest?”

New residents? Does that mean players like me? 

Qiyu asked, “Are you referring to the humans who arrived in Star Forest just a few days ago?”

Seeing that he knew what she meant, Duo Ju nodded happily, “I heard a while back that new residents were moving into Star Forest. As a wandering merchant, I couldn’t miss out on all the excitement.”

“Too bad I got lost here for several days. If I hadn’t been lured by the smell of grilled meat today, who knows how long it would’ve taken me to find them.”

Qiyu asked, “Why are you looking for the new residents?”

Du Ju replied cheerfully, “To do business, of course.”

【Wandering Merchant Duo Ju: Appears once a month with a random probability; players can purchase goods from him.】

Sure enough, the survival game has introduced a new character.

Qiyu’s gaze softened instantly as he looked at Du Ju: “I am the new resident of Star Forest.”

The big cat was stunned: “Huh!”

In the Hall of the Gods, a certain group secretly created a small chat room under the name “My Fate Is in My Hands.”

“I Am Domineering,” “I’m Handsome,” and “Little Old Man” were all in there.

At that moment, several people were complaining:

【I Am Domineering: Let’s figure out why the boss insists we hang around here. This forest is stuffy and dark—what’s with this “golden cat”? Is he talking in his sleep?】

【Little Old Man: Exactly. I was doing just fine gathering materials. Is the boss making us make extra raincoats? We’ll just get scolded again when we meet the requirements.】

【I Am Very Handsome: What do you guys think the boss’s true power is? Could he be a prophet? Otherwise, why would he have us allocate resources in advance and be so certain it’s going to rain?】

【I Am Domineering: Who knows?】

Although the three of them were chatting idly in the group chat, in reality, they were wandering through the woods with the utmost seriousness.

In their minds, “My fate is determined by me, Not The Heavens”—even if they could foresee the future, it wouldn’t make much difference.

He said the golden cat was a good thing, so it’s bound to be something special.

As for whether they’d report it to the other party as ordered if they actually found it, or keep it for themselves… only they knew the answer to that.

“They really are humans!” Duo Ju exclaimed in surprise.

Qiyu: “…Yeah.”

“I can buy goods from you, right?”

Duo Ju nodded, then shook his head: “Wandering merchants—we can only trade at fixed locations.”

Qiyu pondered for a moment: “The Refuge?”

Du Ju nodded happily.

Qiyu said, “I still need to explore down there for a while during the day. You—”

Duo Ju stuffed a piece of grilled meat into his mouth and said with a smile, “The first customer to trade with Duo Ju in the Star Forest—Duo Ju will give him a special gift, meow.”

That said…

“… I suddenly remembered I have some things to take care of at home.”